What are the privacy implications of ordering the 23andme DNA test? [more inside]
posted by wireless on Oct 17, 2009 - 2 answers

If you (a human) were cloned, would your clone look exactly like you? [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg on Oct 13, 2009 - 26 answers

I'm designing a series of DNA infographics and would like to know what sorts of information would be the most ... well, informative. [more inside]
posted by clearly on Apr 22, 2009 - 9 answers

"The DNA of humans and chimps is 98.4% identical." I've read that several places. I've also read "The DNA of all living things is 90% identical" and "The DNA of humans and lettuce is 16% identical." How could I find out which of those last two statements is correct? Or is the problem that I don't understand which part of the DNA is being referred to? (Frankly, I'm not that clear on DNA in the first place - I'd just like the right number.)
posted by kestralwing on Dec 31, 2008 - 14 answers

Help me find a video/article about a race experiment. [more inside]
posted by GrooveStix on Jul 6, 2008 - 2 answers

How can I determine, with access to limited biological data, if my father is not who I thought he was? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 - 10 answers

Has there been any critical recognition of the similarity of the sculptures of Jachin and Boaz from Matthew Barney's Cremaster 3 to important helical structures (the DNA helix and the alpha helix) from molecular biology? [more inside]
posted by mr_roboto on Apr 19, 2008 - 6 answers

Wondering if anyone here has had a Genealogical DNA test for purposes of learning more about your distant (ie. not recent/paternity) ancestors. I have questions about the differences (price, service, thoroughness) of the various companies offering this service, the type of data that different tests can produce, and ways this data can be (constructively) interpreted. [more inside]
posted by cadastral on Apr 16, 2008 - 18 answers

How can I get a digital copy of my own DNA? How much will it cost? Is the cost likely to become reasonable any time soon? [more inside]
posted by hoverboards don't work on water on Mar 24, 2008 - 19 answers

I've finally decided to learn about how DNA (by reading Molecular Biology Made Fun And Simple), and I have a question about chromatin. The pictures you see of chromosomes are all taken when chromosomes have packed themselves into a visible structure to allow them to move around during Metaphase. If I have stranded, intact chromosomes in a test tube, can I force them to pack themselves into the Metaphase configuration? If so, how?
posted by hammurderer on Feb 6, 2008 - 6 answers

Are commercial genetic DNA testing companies worth the price tag? [more inside]
posted by Schuby on Feb 5, 2008 - 6 answers

Would it be worthwhile to preserve a sample of my parents' DNA, with their permission, in case I ever need it for genetic testing of myself or my family? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 26, 2008 - 9 answers

Is there such a thing as an 'invisible' virus - have biologists stumbled across any 'diseases' that have no noticeable symptoms?
posted by unmake on Dec 14, 2007 - 20 answers

Are there any studies, past or present, devoted to the idea of deriving precise time of either conception or birth from DNA analysis? For conception, I can imagine a science fiction author describing a rhythmic pattern or pulse emitted by something in the DNA whose beats are somehow recorded somewhere, like the veritable second hand of a clock. For birth time I'm a little fuzzier on the possibilities, but one idea that occurred to me was the studying the effects of direct light (sun or artificial) on a baby's chromosomes when exposed for the first time (not counting any rays that might penetrate the womb through the mother). There is also the telomere clock to consider, about which I know very little.
posted by christopherious on Dec 12, 2007 - 16 answers

Gag gift for the head of a major genetics department, any ideas? [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte on Nov 27, 2007 - 21 answers

I need solid scientific evidence that thought can change matter - how consciousness effects DNA structure, patterns and ultimately reality. Charts, studies, videos, all is welcome as a way of viewing and understanding how the mind's energy works in relation to physical matter. Thank you so much.
posted by watercarrier on Nov 7, 2007 - 51 answers

After 68 years, my mom still doesn't know who her real dad was. Is it possible to find out? [more inside]
posted by konolia on Jul 25, 2007 - 12 answers

What is the total mass of the DNA in my body? [more inside]
posted by aliasless on Jul 14, 2007 - 16 answers

I heard that you can send a sample of your dog's DNA out to be tested to determine breed. I have a pound mutt who I would love to know the mix before she passes. Anyone know if such a service exists?
posted by archimago on Jun 16, 2007 - 12 answers

How does DNA testing on old samples work? [more inside]
posted by footnote on Feb 5, 2007 - 16 answers

I'm a twenty-six-year-old fraternal twin, writing on behalf of both of us. Our mother has just revealed to us that the man we know as Dad is not our biological father. And the only person who knew the identity of our biological father...is dead. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 19, 2006 - 36 answers

Can DNA effectively be extracted from sweat? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas on Oct 6, 2006 - 13 answers

Does an actual photos of small things like atoms, molecules or DNA? [more inside]
posted by anonpeon on Jul 24, 2006 - 15 answers

Has anyone ever done the National Geographic Genographic Project ?? [more inside]
posted by beccaj on Jul 11, 2006 - 11 answers

Calling all biologists - I've amplified a 700 bp region of cDNA for the gene PGI and now am trying to amplify this region using genomic DNA. Way more detail inside... [more inside]
posted by a22lamia on Apr 5, 2006 - 25 answers

My GoogleFu has failed me. Does anyone know of a place I could send a swab of DNA from my cheek and get a photo of it back (after they do the Chomatography thing). Because I love these but I'm too cheap and figure given the source image I could do the rest myself.
posted by zeoslap on Feb 14, 2006 - 23 answers

To the biochemists: what's so special about phosphorus? [more inside]
posted by feathermeat on Jan 22, 2006 - 10 answers

Name that 3D wire-frame evolving-creature-in-a-hostile-environment Amiga game from 15ish years ago. [more inside]
posted by cortex on Aug 16, 2005 - 10 answers

I just received my results from the Genographic Project and they are confusing. Can someone explain my mitochondrial DNA to me? [more inside]
posted by scazza on Jul 14, 2005 - 14 answers

How do cells form various shapes? [more inside]
posted by delmoi on Jul 13, 2005 - 10 answers

Attention molecular biology nerds: have you any experience with photoinitiation of acrylamide gel polymerization? [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte on Jul 7, 2005 - 2 answers

MolecularBio geeks: What's the best sequence analysis software for OS X? [more inside]
posted by docgonzo on May 24, 2005 - 7 answers

Does anyone have a good, detailed protocol for nuclear DNA extraction from a human (or other mammalian) sperm sample? [more inside]
posted by nprigoda on May 6, 2005 - 5 answers

If I received a blood transfusion, and then went out and committed a crime, and got cut...is it possible that they would do DNA tests and get the donor's DNA?
posted by graventy on Dec 9, 2004 - 15 answers